Page 116 of Anton

“Of course.” I force a practiced grin. “It’s nice to see you again.”

“The pleasure is mine.” He takes my hand with a gentle squeeze. “You look beautiful, Thora.”

“Thank you.”

Mama’s eyes flicker with satisfaction, which makes me want to drown myself in alcohol.

Zachary glances toward the dance floor. “Would you do me the honor of a dance?”

I try to hide my reluctance, but Mama catches it and gives me a wide-eyed look that says go dance with the man.

Rue’s small hand tightens around mine. “But I wanna dance.”

That’s right. Save me from this everlasting doom.

Mama reaches for her. “Come on, sweetheart. I’ll dance with you.”

“Yay!” Rue struts away with Mama, leaving me alone.

No! You were supposed to have my back.

Daddy claps Zachary on the shoulder. “You two have fun.”

Wonderful. My father has already adopted him as his future son-in-law.

Since I’ve apparently been outmaneuvered by my entire family, I surrender. At first, we don’t go straight to the dance floor. He walks beside me through the crowd at an easy pace, nodding to people who greet him.

“We don’t have to dance if you don’t want to.”

“No, it’s fine.” I clasp my hands in front of me.

“Well, that’s a vote of confidence.” He chuckles.

“I don’t mean to be rude.”

“No.” He shakes his head. “Not at all. I understand. I have a sister. Parents don’t make it easy, do they?”

“They mean well.” I sigh.

“Yeah, they do.” We pass a cluster of men laughing with drinks in hand. “Your parents told me about the work you do with horses. Being a vet is admirable, and finishing school so fast. Wow, good for you.”

A little warmth slips through me. “Yeah, I’ve always loved animals. It was my calling.”

“Well, now I definitely feel inadequate in your company.”

“Oh, stop.” Heat creeps into my cheeks.

“No, I mean it. I love animals too. I grew up riding, so horses have always been a big part of my life.”

“Really?”

“Oh, yeah.” His smile widens. “Maybe we could ride together sometime. Your family has some of the best land in Texas, and I’m sure you know every trail.”

Okay, fine. He’s not so bad. I could probably even see us becoming friends, but sleeping with him is never going to happen. Because all I can picture is Anton with his rough, untamed exterior and the softer parts of himself he tries so hard to pretend don’t exist.

Heat rushes through my body, and I clear my throat.

“Don’t you think?” Zachary asks.